Tower drive mechanism for self-propelled sprinkler system
AssigneeFrontier Machinery Company
InventorsRay T. Pringle, Kenneth R. Ames
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tower drive mechanism is described for a self-propelled sprinkler system having a water conduit elevationally supported by spaced towers. Each tower has a frame with leg members extending downward and outward interconnecting with a cross axle tube. Tandem wheel assemblies are mounted on the frame adjacent respective ends of the axle tube. A single electric motor is connected to one of the wheel assemblies. An interconnecting drive shaft extends through the axle tube interconnecting the wheel assemblies so that the drive shaft does not become entangled with field debris or vegetation. The wheel assemblies and the motor have their individual worm gear reduction boxes.
Claims8
In a self-propelled sprinkler irrigation system having an elongated water supply conduit elevationally supported by at least two spaced upright mobile tower assemblies, each of said tower assemblies comprising:
- an upright frame operatively connected to the conduit and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the conduit;
- said frame having leg members that extend downward and laterally outward from the conduit;
- said frame having a hollow axle tube extending horizontally between the legs transverse to the water supply conduit;
- wheel assemblies mounted on the frame adjacent ends of the axle tube for movably supporting the frame;
- an electric motor mounted to the frame adjacent one end of the axle tube and operatively connected to one of the wheel assemblies for driving the one wheel assembly;
- and
- interconnecting drive shaft extending axially through the interior of the hollow axle tube interconnecting the wheel assemblies to cause the wheel assemblies to be driven in unison with the tube protecting the interconnecting drive shaft from environment elements such as water and preventing the interconnecting drive shaft from becoming entangled with field debris or vegetational growth or engaging operating personnel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.